Vendor setup
Register a business in Florida
The filing office, forms, steps and next stops for registering a business in Florida. Every line shows the official page it came from, and the day we read it.
The order to do it in
Choose a business type and get your EIN first. Then file with the state filing office below, and check your city and county before you start work.
Filing office
- Florida entities are formed with the Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
Forming an LLC
- A Florida LLC is formed by Articles of Organization filed through Sunbiz. A registered agent designation is required. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Articles of Organization filing fee: $100 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Registered agent designation fee: $25 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
Forming a corporation
- A Florida profit corporation is formed by Articles of Incorporation filed through Sunbiz. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Profit corporation filing fee: $35 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Registered agent designation fee: $35 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
Annual or biennial report
- Florida LLCs and profit corporations file annual reports. A higher late fee applies after May 1. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- LLC annual report: $138.75 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Profit corporation annual report: $150 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- LLC annual report filed after May 1: $538.75 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Profit corporation annual report filed after May 1: $550 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
Assumed name (DBA)
- A Florida fictitious name is registered with the Department of State through Sunbiz. The registration is valid for five years and expires December 31 of the final year. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
- Fictitious name registration: $50 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, as of
State tax registration
- Florida businesses register for sales and use tax and other taxes with the Department of Revenue using the Florida Business Tax Application (DR-1). Florida Department of Revenue, as of
State rules for pool, lifeguard and contractor work
These lines point to the state’s own rules. Whether one applies to your work is for the state to say, so confirm with the agency named in each line.
- Florida requires an individual who services a public pool to be certified, with a 16-hour approved course plus a test. Pool owners, their direct employees and Chapter 489 contractors are exempt (section 514.075). Public pools need a Department of Health operating permit. Florida Department of Health, as of
City and county licences
City and county licences vary by place. Check with your city hall or county clerk before you start work.
Sources
- LLC Fees Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. As of .
- Corporate Fees Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. As of .
- Florida Fictitious Name Registration Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. As of .
- Account Management and Registration Florida Department of Revenue. As of .
- Public Swimming Pools Florida Department of Health. As of .
Official pages change. Each line shows the day we last read it.
Last checked